Cowboys Rumors: Micah Parsons Expected to Play vs. Eagles Despite Illness…….

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, star linebacker Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys is “battling the flu,” but he is still anticipated to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.

Between two teams fighting for the NFC East title, this game is vital, and Parsons, who has 11.5 sacks this season, has become Dallas’ most valuable and influential defensive player in recent years.

The Cowboys were forced to take a different approach after the top two cornerback prospects, Jaycee Horn (taken by the Carolina Panthers with the eighth overall pick) and Patrick Surtain II (taken by the Denver Broncos with the ninth overall pick), were not available. Many had anticipated that the Cowboys would target the position with their first-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft.

Dallas chose Parsons and stayed on the defensive end of the field. The selection filled a need with an exceptionally gifted and athletic player during an offseason that saw Sean Lee retire.

He was immediately slated to play the position of designated pass-rusher for the Cowboys.

Prior to his rookie season, Parsons described the role to the Dallas Morning News as “just creating havoc, creating disruption.” “Having the ability to generate that intensity, shift the momentum, and have a chance to remove the ball and return it to our potent offense. I kind of enjoy pass rushing because of that.”

That turned out to be a very clever move.

In his 16 games as a rookie, Parsons recorded 84 tackles and 13 sacks, demonstrating his rapid ascent to the position. With standout defensive end Demarcus Lawrence sidelined for an extended period of time due to a broken foot, he was forced to rush the passer more frequently. He performed admirably, taking home the Defensive Rookie of the Year title and being invited to the Pro Bowl.

In the 2022 campaign, he added 13.5 sacks, 65 tackles (13 for loss), 26 quarterback hits, and three forced fumbles. He was selected to the first team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl for the second year in a row.

Parsons, who is only in his third season and already among the NFL’s most distinctively disruptive and versatile defensive players, cannot be replaced. However, expect Dorance Armstrong to see more playing time if the Penn State product is injured or limited on Sunday night.